Pune: 19 Cases Of Smart Meter Tampering Detected in Bhosari, Rs 12.41 Lakh Penalty Imposed
Pune, 16th September 2026: Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has detected 19 cases of consumers allegedly tampering with smart meters to attempt electricity theft during inspections in the Bhosari, Akurdi and Pradhikaran sub-divisions of the Bhosari division.
The inspections found cases involving breaking smart meter seals, opening meter covers and using a “CT bypass” to slow down the meter and reduce recorded electricity consumption. Criminal cases have been registered against consumers in nine of the cases, while penalties totalling Rs 12.41 lakh have been imposed.
In the remaining 10 cases, penalties have been assessed and the process of registering criminal cases is underway.
A device allegedly installed to tamper with the meter was also detected at Shetkari Family Restaurant in Chaholi. A penalty of Rs 2,66,800 has been imposed in the case.
MSEDCL officials said breaking meter seals, carrying out a CT bypass or interfering with the functioning of a meter to facilitate electricity theft constitutes a serious offence under the Electricity Act, 2003. Criminal action is being initiated along with recovery of the assessed penalties.
The inspections also covered consumers in Dighi and Kasarwadi.
Among the cases where penalties have been imposed are Shetkari Family Restaurant in Chaholi (Rs 2,66,800), Sachin Bhaskarrao Tayde (Rs 1,18,360), Suraj Sanjeevkumar Suryawanshi (Rs 1,53,770), Dayanand Shrimant Rasal (Rs 1,46,070), Sandeep Laxman Gawali (Rs 1,56,590), Vishnu Sakharam Chopde (Rs 1,40,410), Bhagwat Narayan Ingle (Rs 1,46,650), Anand G. (Rs 68,863) and Brijeshdada Balaso Butugade (Rs 43,622).
